Left In Lowell

According to a memo from City Manager Bernie Lynch to the City Council, available on the City’s web site on the 11.10.09 CC Packet page, we have a new ambulance contract which will bring close to $230,000 in revenue this fiscal year. The contract calls for a 6.5% annual adjustment through FY 2014. That year we are scheduled to receive close to $300,000.

This figure is the City’s recoverable cost for the services it provides to “the overall emergency medical system.”

Back in June, I blogged on the newly released FY 2010 City Budget, I wrote “there is something called Ambulance Revenue which appears to be a new line item.”

Well, as they say the rest is history or in this chronicled in the pages of LiL. Little did I know that the ambulance contract would generate such a high level of discussion, questions and some misinformation, so much so that City Manager Bernie Lynch felt compelled to comment. And this is what he wrote, in part (here is the link to the entire comment):

The issue is that for years ambulance providers have either received compensation for services from municipalities or provided the service for a nominal sum but then gained access to any and all payments from those individuals that receive emergency transport. This payment is made privately or more likely through insurance or state/federal payment. Several years back a number of communities and their managers investigated whether there could be payment made to the municipalities in return for the contractual designation as a City or Town’s ambulance provider.

…With the new track record that is being established with these payments I have sought to replicate this concept in Lowell particularly given the current fiscal conditions.

LiL will probably receive, as we did in June, many drive-by commentators representing interests who wanted the contract as well as individuals from our neighboring town who have an axe to grind when it comes to emergency service.

Also, I am sure some will forget that previous City Manager’s extended the ambulance contract with little notice and will ask, why didn’t this go out to bid? The answer is simple: Ambulance services along with some other types of contracts are exempt from the State procurement law (Chapter 32B).

Let’s see how tomorrow night the City Council reacts to this memo. It will be telling of how things will go for the rest of the calendar year.

Hayden waxes unhappy at his coverage on that “Left in whatever.” I love McDonough’s comeback: “This blog you’re talking about, what language is it written in?” Oooh, so clever, you. Hilarious.

By the way, buddy, what we covered and how we called it on this blog, we took from your own actions as a committeperson and your own website. I can tell you that I have no regrets whatsoever in exposing you.

Lowell Film Collaborative is at it again…I have no idea how they find the time to organize all these film viewings! But thank goodness they do - what a great addition to Lowell’s cultural scene. From their latest email:

“Life. Support. Music.”
with special guest performance by Jason Crigler
Thursday, November 12, 7PM, UMass Lowell, O’Leary Library
61 Wilder Street, Lowell. Free admission!

Follow the inspirational journey of hope and recovery as experienced by NYC guitarist/musician Jason Crigler, who suffered a near-fatal brain hemorrhage in 2004 while onstage in Manhattan. Though he survived this life-shattering episode, his road to recovery was painful and staggering. Remarkably documented by film director and close friend, Eric Metzgar, this moving, brilliant, and award-winning film will premier in Lowell with a special guest appearance by Jason himself, who will give first-hand insight into the last five years of his life, and, honor everyone with a special live performance. Presented in partnership with Moses Greeley Parker Lectures and 119 Gallery.

“The Adventures of Prince Achmed”
featuring a live photoplay by the Andreas Kapsalis Trio
Monday, November 16, 7:30PM
UMass Lowell, Durgin Concert Hall, 35 Wilder Street, Lowell
Admission: $5 general public, Free for UML faculty, staff & students (w/ID)

The Lowell Film Collaborative is excited to be partnering with UMass Lowell Department of Music, the 119 Gallery and the Revolving Museum for a first-ever screening of this incredible 1926 animated film. Considered to be the oldest feature-length animated film in existence, “The Adventures of Prince Achmed” was conceived and animated by German animator Lotte Reiniger who spent her lifetime creating films through silhouette puppetry, an art form first utilized by the Chinese.

The Andreas Kapsalis Trio are masters at performing live photoplays (soundtracks) to film, including the brilliant “Adventures of Prince Achmed.” Don’t miss this incredible film & music event!

“At Home in Utopia”
Special guests include director Michal Goldman
Thursday, November 19, 6:30PM / Refreshments, 7PM / Film screening
Lowell National Historical Park Visitor Center, 246 Market Street, Lowell
Free admission!

What does it take to get housing that’s good for our children? What does it take to build a community where we want to live? Does it take a movement? During the 1920s, thousands of immigrant factory workers managed to build cooperative apartment houses that they owned and ran themselves. When they were hit by the Great Depression, they fought alongside others to win the social safety net that we are now in danger of losing. Join us for the Lowell premiere of this compelling documentary, accompanied by an insightful panel discussion with director Michal Goldman and other community leaders.

Guest Panelists: Michal Goldman, Filmmaker; Bob Forrant, Professor/Regional Economics and Social Development; Lindolfo Carballo, Community Action to Support Affordability (CASA)